With the craft brewery scene expanding with many independently owned establishments along what is known as the Gulp Coast, there are also a number of spots specializing in offering America’s best craft beer on tap and in bottles and cans. While they’re not brewing their own craft beer, these places serve up some of the best craft brew on hand. Grab a friend or three and find your new favorite from this list.
1 Ale And The Witch
At this laid-back craft beer bar, you'll find 32 all-American craft beers on tap, including many local and Florida offerings, along with knowledgeable bartenders and an affable owner. VIBE: Relaxed with live entertainment. UNIQUE OFFERING: Eight rotating one-off casks from local and national craft brewers.
2 Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Home to the best beer fests in the area and recently named Best Craft Beer Restaurant in Florida by ratebeer.com, this place also dishes up Cajun comfort food (don’t miss the crawfish cornbread). VIBE: Down-home rustic charm overlooking an actual bayou. UNIQUE OFFERING: Local and Florida craft beers, many rarely found elsewhere.
3 Capitol Beer House
Located directly across the street from the historic Capitol Theater, this is an upbeat place for locals, tourists and concertgoers to enjoy up to 32 beers on tap. VIBE: Lively, friendly, with some sports bar influences. UNIQUE OFFERING: Sidewalk sipping.
4 Tap Room @ the Hollander Hotel
The bar at this boutique hotel has a loyal, local following, drawn by the creative pub food, 21 beers on tap and live music on the weekends—not to mention the giant caribou, Nam, who guards the wall of beer taps. VIBE: A ski lodge transplanted in Florida. UNIQUE OFFERING: $3 craft beers on Tuesdays.
5 Urban Brew and BBQ
Not to take anything from the ‘cue, but the brew is listed first for a reason. The craft beer offerings (18 on tap, to be exact) follow a strict code: one brewery at a time, plain tap handles and a wide array of styles. VIBE: Long, narrow, cozy, with the smell of barbecue in the air. UNIQUE OFFERINGS: The brisket paired with just about anything.
6 Willard's Tap House
Its motto says it all: no crap on tap. Willard's Tap House takes their craft beer seriously, but not themselves. The selection of more than 20 beers on tap is deep and well thought out, and the customers are as knowledgeable as the staff, with plenty of local and Florida offerings. VIBE: No-frills neighborhood pub. UNIQUE OFFERINGS: The beer engine draws cask-conditioned ales.
7 Undertow Beach Bar
Located on St. Pete Beach, Undertow Beach Bar is a casual hot spot for beachgoers and locals. Choose from a refreshing cocktail or craft beer from the beachside tiki hut, then head out onto the powdery sand for a competitive round of volleyball at the courts. VIBE: Local beachfront tiki hut. UNIQUE OFFERING: Beach-to-bar access.
8 Ricky T's Bar and Grille
Ricky T’s Bar and Grille is a lively Treasure Island food and drink joint serving up some of the best crafts on tap and out-of-the-box bar eats on Treasure Island. Three bars, including an outdoor patio, makes this the perfect spot for locals and groups to connect over a frosty craft beer or catch a televised sports game. Sit out on the patio or relax among sports memorabilia in a smoke-free sports bar atmosphere. VIBE: Outdoor casual or sports-pub cool. UNIQUE OFFERING: Nightly live entertainment.
9 Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe
Located at the far west end of the Grand Central District, this eclectic bottle shop and bar combo offers craft beer, wine and deli sandwiches named after music festivals. VIBE: Neighborhood hangout with funky indoor/outdoor seating. UNIQUE OFFERING: 300 bottled and canned beers, as well as more than 75 wines.
